Sergio Agüero has been left on the bench for tomorrow’s big World Cup Qualifier between Argentina and Brazil, with coach Edgardo Bauza opting to play Juventus goal machine Gonzalo Higuaín in the striker role, supported by Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María.

Kun has been criticised of late for his form with the Argentine national team and has found goals hard to come by. His most recent appearance was in the crushing 1-0 defeat to Paraguay on October 12, a performance he admitted had left him emotionally battered and which he praised Pep Guardiola for helping him to recover from.

Argentina face their most bitter rival, Brazil, who are yet to release their starting XI, but Gabriel Jesus, who will join up with the Manchester City squad in January, is expected to start, and Fernandinho should also make the team.

City defensive pair Pablo Zabaleta and Nicolás Otamendi both start for Argentina, meaning as many as four City stars could start in South American football’s biggest international fixture.